Electric switch.



VNo. 829,785. TATENTED AUG. 28, 1906. T.. M...HBWLETT & T. E. BUTTON.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

APPLICATICN FILED FEB.7. 1902.

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E. M. HEWLETT L T. E. BUTTON.

ELBGTRTG SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 7. 1902.

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Tf f' 1M No. 829,785. PATENTED AUG. 28, 1906.

E. M. HEWLETT & T. E. BUTTON. ELECTRIC SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 7. 1902.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

Invenors:

' Edward M.Hew|e), |8 TheodoreElBuUGon.

mfg..

Wnesses:

- PATENTED AUG. 28, 1906. M. HEWLETT T. E. BUTTON.

BLEGTRC SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 7. 1902.

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No. 829,785. PATENTEI) AUG. 28, 1906.

' E. IVI. HEWLETT & T. E. BUTTON.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED PEB.'7. 1902.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

Vig. 9.

Invenfors:

Edward MHewleS,

UNTTED STATES 'PATENT orrion.

'EDWARD M. HEWLETT AND THEoDoin: E. BUTTON, or SCHENECTADY,

NEW YORK', AssiGNoRs To GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANL A coil.-

PORATION OF NEW YORK.

pplication filed February To whom it may concern,.-

Bc it known that we, EDWARD HEW- Llrrr and THEODORE E. BUTTON, citizensof the United States, and residents of Schenec` tady, county ofSchenectady, State of New York, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Electric Switches, of which the following is aspecification.

.In distributing currents from centers of -distribution--such, forexample, as a centrol station-it is frequently necessary to.

transfer the bus-bar connected with different feeders to differentstation-generators, so as to rovide fora 'considerable increase of load,and it is desirable to provide switching mechmism which will permit thistransfer to be effected quickly. In many stations, moreover, it is thepractice to utilize storage bat` teries to increase the efliciency ofthe plant b connecting them with certain bus-bars or l distributionfeeders at particular hours when groups corresponding to the number offeeders served, one switch being provided for 'each feeder and severalgroups of switches being arran ed inoperative relation to ther feedersin the station, so that each may, if necessary, be connected to anindependent generator. With such a system it is important to render itabsolutely certain that no two feeders shall be connected to the samegenerator, since if such connection Were made between feeders ofdifferent volta e great damage to the station ap aratus wou d result. Weguard against sucii a possibility by an interlocking arrangement betweenthe several busi-bar switches in each'switch group by means of whichmore than a sin le connection between the generator and t e busbarcannot be maintained, means being provided for insuring the opening ofany switch before another caribe closed.

We niount the several switch roups on posts one above another, preferaby in ver I Specification of Letters Patent.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

Patented Aug. 2.8, 1.906.

7| i902' Serial No. 93|014- ticall arran ement, and provide acontrolshaft for se ting them operatedv by the electrically-controlledmotor. This shaft we preferably drive by means of worm-gearing governedby a magnet o erated from the control-circuit, said clutc being so:arranged that when'set it will maintain the connection switch-settingdevices until the switch is closed, after which the latter'will bedisconnected and the shaft 'or its driving-motor have no further controlover it until the control-circuit is again brought into action. Eachswitch is set by a to gler cram ed by the motor-driven shaft andghasamec anical erated when an switch is set, the arrangement being suc thatafter onel switch has operated, thereby releasin the one already switchby hand. An auxiliary mechanism is provided for tripping any switchwhich may be closed by means independent'of the closure of anotherlswitch.

' The invention embodies various features of novelty in addition tothose noted above, which will be hereinafter more fully described andwill be definitely indicated in the claims ap ended to thisspecification.

trate our invention, Figure 1 is a side elevation showing the bus-barsin section of a switch embodying our improvements. Fig. 2 is a top planview with parts removed. Fig.

by the line X X of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view on the same plane,showing one View showing a switch open. Fig. 6 is a detail view,partlyin section, showing the clutchoperating mechanism. Fig. 7 is aIsimilar view of the clutch parts after 'having been shifted through anoperating range'of movement. Fig. 8 is a side elevation of theswitchpost with parts removed to show thearrange ments for Ventilatingthe bus-bars. a dia ram ofthe control-circuit, and Fig. 10 is a etail ofa safety mechanism to guard against 'accidents from short-circuits.A

driven by the motor,v` an electrically -vcontrolled clutch beingprovided for each'switch v connection with an auXiliaryrock-shaft op'been set the rock-shaft is moved if another is,

,75 set. Means are provided a so for setting any n the accompanyingdrawings, which illusbetween the motor-driven shaft and thel '9 3 is ahorizontal section on a plane indicated of the switches closed. Fig. 5is a similar f roo Fig.9is A` 1 represents a base'ofslate or otherinsulating refractory material on which v is mounted a hollow post 2, of

cast-iron, provided with brackets 3, onrwhich are snpl ported apluralityof bus-bars 4 4 4b 4U 4d. The switch shown in the drawings isadapted to serve iive bus-bars, each of which is composed of a pluralityindicated in section the brackets the wall or other of heavy copperbars, as in Fig. 1, resting upon These bars extend along part of thedistributingstation and are Ytapped into the several switches by meansof interleaved bars 5 5 5b 5C 5d, which are solidly connected withvertical bus-bar 6, set against and insulated from a bracket extendinglaterally from the hollow iron post 2. (See Figs. 4 and 5.) For eachbus-bar multiple bars or conductors are employed to promote cooling, asshown in Fig. 1, and in each multiple-bar as many interleaved bars asrequired. by the capacity of the switch may be three only are used) Fora heavier current as many interleaved. bars as there are sections in thebus-bar might be employed. rPhe bus-bars where the leads 5d areinterleaved with them are clamped firmly together bv means of cast-ironplates 7 7il gether by four bolts, as indicated in Fig. 1. A lowair-pressure may be maintained in the interior of the hollow post bymeans of a pipe 8,.extending beneath the floor of the station, which maybe connected with a blower by which a stream of cool air is forcedthrough openings 9 9a, &c., over the bus-bars and keeps them cool attheir joints with the switch-leads. The vertical bus-bar 6 extends fromend trr'end of the switchpost, so as to be in operative relation to anyone of the group of switches it contains. A companion bus-bar 10 ismounted against the post 2 in alinement with the bus-bar 6, and the twoare adapted to be bridged by a laminated contact 11, pivoted on a lever12, and adapted to be closed against the tension of a retracting-spring13. Each switch carries a shunt-contact mounted on a phosphor-bronzespring 11a and adapted to take any arc formed on opening the circuitwithin an arc-extinguishing chute 141i, provided with a blow-out magnet1-5. Each switch is mounted between slate barriers 16 16a 16b 16C, &c.,so as to avoid possibility of cross connection and to guard againstarc-gases being blown hack toward the feeder bus-bar. Fiber screens 1.7are mounted between the slate casing 18 and the hollow post 2 at pointsin the rear of the switches.-

Thus it will beevident that the generator bus-bar 10 may be connectedwith any of the iive feeder bus-bars by closure of the switchcorresponding to that bus-bar. It isl desirable to effect suchconnections quickly to accommodate change of load on a particularfeeder-as, for example, to connect another machine to that feeder. Agroup of these employed. (as shown held firmly tot.

switch-posts, as already stated, is provided in the station, andconnected with each post is a control-circuit by which the severalswitches maybe independently manipulated. This control-circuit operatesan electric motor 20, mounted on top of the switch-post, connected byworm-gearing with a shaft 21, extending from top to bottom of thc post.Each, switch is connected by a link 22 with a crank 23, loosely sleevedon this shaft, the crank and link forming a toggle which when itscenters are in alinement cramps the bridging contacts 11 upon thebus-bars (i and 10. The loose sleeves which. carry the cranks 25% 23,dac., also carry each a socket 24 for-an operating-handle 25, one ofwhich is provided for each switch-post and which may be transferred toany switch it is desired to operate by hand. The crank 23 being looselysleeved on the shaft may be turned freely by means of the handle 25until the toggle is cramped and the switch set. Adjacent to eachcrank-sleeve is a collar 26 26, &c., keyed fast to the shaft 21, asindicated in Figs. 4 and 5, which collar may he clutched to thecrank-sleeve by means of an arniature 27, controlled by an electromagnet2S. rlhe armature is rigidly connected with a clutchpiece 29 normallydropping by gravity away from a projection 3() on thc crank-sleeve 23,but adapted to be swung into alinemcnt with said projection and bearagainst a shoe 31 when the electromagnet is energized.

In the open position of the switch the armature 27 lies under the holeof the magnet 28, Figs. 5 and 7, and when this magnet is energized thearmature is drawn up, the same impulse which energizes the magnetstarting the electric motor 20 and driving the shaft 21 The armaturebeing carried on the sleeve keyed to the shaft is thus driven againstthe projection 30 and held in clutch therewith by friction, and thetoggle gradually straightens until its centers come in line, when theswitch is set. In this position the armature has been shifted out of thefield of its magnet to position ninety degrees displaced therefrom, asindicated in Fig. 6, in which position the clutch-piece 29 rides under aroller 32, mounted in a bracket secured to the frame, the upper face ofthe clutch having a slope, so that as it rides under the roller it isforced down and disconnected from the projection 30, thereby freeing thecranksleeve from the influence of the motor-driven shaft and permittingthe shaft and attimlied motor to run free, arrangements being providedfor cutting the motor out of circuit after the shaft 21 has made acomplete reve.- lution, as will be hereinafter more 'fully explained.With this arrangement it will be evident that when any of thecontrollingmagnets corresponding to a particular switch in the post isenergized, the motor will be simultaneously started and the correspond-IIO Azo

f staven ing switch will be closed. lf, however, another switch hasalready been closed, this action will automatically open that switch bymeans of a cam 33 33a 33h, &c., keyed to a rock-shaft 34, extending fromthe top to the bottom of the post. One such cam is provided for eachswitch and lies in the path of a pin 35,- set in the loose sleeve whichcarries the crank 23. This ycam is provided with a notch 36, against therear wall of whichthe in impinges when a switch is set and a ace 37normally lying, when a switch is in vthe open position, 1n a lane to bestruck bg the pin 35. Thus it wil occur if any switc is closed whenanother is operated that the pin 35, connected to the crank-sleeve ofthat being closed moving over thecam-surface 3.7, will shift the shaft34 through a determinate angle, thereby shifting all of the camsfastened to the shaft and consequently tripping any switch already set,since when any switch is set its tripping-pinV 35 will have been shiftedagainst the wall oi the recess 36 of its cam. From this it will be seenthat it is impossible to set one switch while another is closed,` and itis also impossible to close -more than one switch at a time, except byspecial effort. If for a remotecontingency it is deemednecessary toclose more than one switch at lthe same time, the operator by inserting'handles in 'the sockets 24 24*it &c and vmoving them simultaneously maydo so. It is impossible to do this electrically, since thecontrol-switchfis so designed that but a' single magnet may be energizedat once.

The operating-motor V20 is controlled by a circuit extending to aconvenient board in the station, andthe circuit connections are-indicated in Fig. 9. The-motor is fed by 'a separate circuit 38 38a,across which in series relation to the motor may be connected any one ofthe control-magnets 28 28a 28b 28C 28d 28e, six of which are provided,one for each switch, and Lone-say 28e-at the top of the switch-post notbelonging to a switch,

- but intended solely Jfor the purpose oi releasingany switch whichmaybe set without entailing lthe setting of another switch. Thesecontrol-magnets are connected in parallel re.- lation to thecontrol-circuit and may be operated by means of a pivoted hand-switch39, .the pivot of which is connected with main 38?; but such 'connectioncan only be established with one magnet at a time by shifting theswitch-lever 39 into alinement with an insulated contact 40 40a, &c.,corresponding to the several magnets.

In order to render it impossible to eiiect the closure of'more than oneswitch at a time in case a short-circuit exists in the connectingwiresof the control-magnets, we provide means for normally interconnectingall ofthe control-wires, so that a short-circuit always exists, and acontrol-magnet 1s cut in by opening the short-circuit only 1n so far asits articular control-wire is concerned. Thus it will be see 'that anywire or cross connection between the control-wires, can by'nopossibility cause the setting of two switches. Further, lthecontrol-magnets are so wound that the motor-o erating current isinsufficient to pick up t e magnet-armature if the currentis dividedbetween two or more magnets. These provisions are indicated in Fig. 10,where the controlling-board is provided with a metal shell 41,perforated on top with a number of holes 42 42, &c., into which normallya metal plug v43 is ressed by a spring nesting in the metal soc. et 44,one of which is provided for each control-wire. The several sockets arecross-connected by means ofa metal stra 45 with the contactstuds 40 40a,&c. he control-switch 39 carries in its front end an insulating-pin 46,adapted when shifted to a position to close` any control branch to alinewith the springpressed (plug-contact 43, and when the switch is closerupturing the connection between the plug and shell 41 and opening ashort-circuit through 47, normally completed by each of the severalplugs. Thus if two controlwires are cross connected and one of thosecontrol-wires is operated the two magnets willbe in parallel and neitherswitch will be operated, and if an accidental short-circuit occurs bywhich one of the control-magnets would be cut in under normal conditionsall the plug is pushed down, thereby would necessarily be cut in landnone of the switches would be operated.

We provide the control-circuit wi a shunt around the control-magnets,completed after any control-magnet is actuated, thereby rendering asimple instantaneous push all that is required to effect the closureofthe switch. This is indicated inthe` diagram at 48 and includes aresistance49 and a rotary switch 50, cooperating with brushes 51 51a,forming the terminals of the shuntcircuit.4 The shunt is normally open.The rotary element 50 is mounted on the motordrivenshaft 21 and whenturned. brings two cross-connected arcs 52 52a under the brushes andcompletes the shunt. Thus when the control-magnet is energized and thecontrolcircuit completed the motor is started and immediately thereafterthe branch shunting the magnet closed by means of the contacts 52 52"Lafter which the motor runs, beyond the power of the operator to stop it,until the switch-operating shaft makes' a complete revolution. Theoperator therefore need not hold down the control-switch, but a simple.

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motor device, and means for controlling the action of the motor deviceupon the individual switches. p

rl`he combination with a switch-actuating mechanism, of a motor, a shaftdriven by the motor, a ratchet-wheel on the shaft, means fortransmitting .the motion of the shaftv to the ratchet-wheel, latchadapted to engage with the ratchet-wheel, electrical means forcontrolling the engagement ot the latch with the ratchet-wheel, andmeans driven by the ratchet-wheelfor actuating the switch mechanism. l

3. ln a system of controlling electric switches, a motor, a shaft drivenbythe motor, a series of independent switches, means interposed betweenthe shaft and the switches for actuating the switches, and separateelectrical means for controlling the independent switch-actuatingmechanisms. y

l 4. In a system of controlling electric switches, the combination of amotor, a shaft operated by the motor', a series of switch-actuatingmechanisms normally out of engagementwith the shaft, a series ofswitches to be operated thereby, and means for throwingsaidswitch-actuating mechanisms into and out of engagement with the shaft asdesired.

` 5. In an electric switch, the combination with a plurality ofdistribiiting-terminals, of Va'v'plurality of generator-terminals,switches for' closing the circuitthrough any pair of said terminals,common operating means for saidswitches, means for causing any one ofsaid switches to be actuated by said operating means, and means forautomatically opening any circuit during movement to effect the'closureof another. 6. The combination of a circuit-lead, a plurali'ty ofindependent leads adapted tov be connected therewith, a switch for eachbranch, an operating-motor shared in common by the several switches, andlmeans* for selectively operating any switch.

7. Thecombination with a circuit-lead, of a plurality of independentleads adapted to be connected therewith, switches for effecting suchconnections, an operating device shared in common by the severalswitches, means for effecting individual operation, and means forreleasing any switch when another is being operated. y l 8. Astation-'switch comprising aplurality of bus-bars, a supporting-post, ageneratorlead, switches for connecting' the lead with any bus-bar, asetting device for each switch, and means for tripping any switch whenanother is'being set. y l

9. A station-switch comprising a plurality of bus-bins, acircuit-terminal adapted to be conn ected,withiarny` of said bars,switches controlling said connections, an operating-motor shared in'ycommon by the several switches, and electrically controlled clutches forcoupling the motor witliany switch.

10. An electric switch for currents of heavy amperage provided with ahollow metal support, and means for circulating a cooling mcdium throughsuch support.

11. A multiple switch provided with a hollow support, a plurality ofswitches mounted thereon, and means for circulating a cooling medium inheat-conductive relation to the terminal.

12. A multiple switch comprising a common support, a plurality ofswitches inclosed in separate insulated compartments mounted thereon, acommon operating device for the several switches, and means forselectively effecting thc connection of any switch with said commonoperating device.

13. A multiple switch comprising a supporting-standard, a plurality ofbus-bars mounted thereon, a common lead adapted to be connected to anybus-bar, a switch for each bus-bar, a common operating-shaft, means fordriving said shaft, and clutching mechanism for connecting anddisconnecting any switch with the shaft.

14. The combination with a plurality of bus-bars, of a plurality ofsupply-conductors extending therefrom to outlying districts, agenerator, switches for effecting a connection between the generator`and any desired bu'sbar, and means for preventing closure of more thanone switch at a time.

15. A multiple switch. comprising a plurality-of bus-bars, a common leadadapted to be connected with any switch, switch-operating mechanismshared in common by the several switches, a clutch for connecting anddisconnecting any switch therewith., and means for opening any switchwhen another is operated.

16. Amultiple switch comprising a plurality of bus-bars, a switch foreach bus-bar, operating connections with a shaft shared in common by allof the switches, electricallyoperated clutches for connecting any switchtherewith, and tripping devices adapted to open any switch when anotheris driven by the operating-shaft.4

17. A multiple switch comprising a plurality of bus-bars,- a switch foreach bus-bar, a drive-shaft common to all switches, clutches between.the shaft and the several switches, means for setting any clutch, andmeans for disconnecting any clutch after its switch is set.

18. A multiple switch comprising a plurality of bus-bars, a switch for.each bus-bar, a drive-shaft common to all switches, clutches between theshaft and the several switches, means for operating any clutch, arelease device for opening any clutch after its switch is set, andtripping mechanism for any switch dependent on the closure of a secondswitch.

19. A multiple switch comprising a plurality of bus-bars, a common leadadapted to be connected therewith, independent switches for establishingsuch connection, a motor- IOO IIO

switch is automatic ally opened before another can be closed. y

20. A multiple switch comprising a pluralityof terminals andcorresponding switches for connecting the same, a motor-driven shaft andmeans for operating the same, me-

chanical connections with the shaft for each switch,electrically-controlled clutches for rendering said connections eective,release devices for opening any ,clutch after its switch has been set,and independent handoperated devices for setting any switch.

21. A multiple switch comprising a plurality of terminals andcorresponding switches for connecting the same, an operating-shaftshared in common by all switches, a loose sleeve on the shaft for eachswitch, a socket for a handle connected thereto, independent clutchesforlocking the several sleeves with the shaft, an auxiliary shaftcarrying tripping devices for the several switches, and connections foro erating said shaft when a second switch is c osed.

22. -A multi le switch comprising a plurality of termina s andcorresponding switches for connecting the same, an operating-shaftshared in common by allswitches, magnetically-controlled armaturescarried by the shaft for clutching it with the setting devices of anyswitch, a fixed electromagnet for each armature, and mechanical meansfor disconnecting the clutch after a determinate range of shaftmovement.

23. The combination with a plurality of electric switches, of settingdevices therefor, a motor-driven shaft in operative relation to allswitches, and an electrically-controlled clutch between the shaft andthe setting devices of each switch.

- 24. The combination with a plurality of electric switches, of settingdevices therefor, a motor-driven shaft, an electrically-controlledclutch between the shaft. and setting device of each switch, and meansfor opening each clutch after a determinate range'of shaft movement.

`25. A multiple. electric switch comprising a plurality of circuits, aswitch for each, a common operating-motor, selective devices determiningthe closure of any switch, anda common release device to effect theopening of any switch.

26. A multiple switch comprising aplurality of circuits, a switchforeach, a common voperating motor, selective devices determining theclosure of any switch, a tripping device for each switch mounted on acommon trip-shaft, and means for clutching said shaft to the motor torelease any switch.

27. A multiple switch provided with a plurality of circuits andindependent switches controlling the same, a common operatingmotor,selective. magnets determining the operation of any switch, acontrol-circuit including the magnets and motor, the several magnetsbeing normally connected in parallel, and a circuit-controller foropening the parallel lrelation and putting any magnet in circuit withthe motor.

2S. A multiple switch provided with a plurality of circuits andindependent switches controlling the same, a common operatingmotor,selectiveI magnets determining the operation of any switch, acontrol-circuit including the magnets and motor, the several magnetbranches being normally connected in parallel and so wound as to beoperative only by the full motor-current, and a circuitcontroller fordisconnecting any magnet from the parallel relation and putting it incircuit with the motor.

In witness whereof we have hereunto set` our hands this 5th day ofFebruary, 1902.

EDWARD M. HEWLETT. THEODORE E. BUTTON. Witnesses:

`BENJAMIN B. HULL,

HELEN ORFORD.

